“Man is neither angel nor beast; and the misfortune is that he who would act the angel acts the beast.”Blaise Pascal · Cugetări · 1670 · 358
The desire for absolute moral perfection distances man from humanity and brings him closer to animal.
Pascal says man is an intermediate being, neither divine nor bestial. Those who refuse this mixed nature and want to be 'angels' end up repressing their humanity, which makes them behave like beasts. For example, a religious fanatic who imposes absolute purity ends up being cruel to the 'imperfect.'
When you demand moral perfection from others, you deny their humanity. You treat them like machines that should run without error. A boss who accepts no hesitation or fatigue from employees creates a tense, unhappy team. This is exactly what Pascal warns against: impossible standards do not elevate, they crush. Instead of helping, you become an instrument of suffering. How, then, can you be good without demanding perfection?
Why it matters This is a useful warning when you feel tempted to judge others or yourself harshly by impossible standards.